It almost seems inevitable that any classic falling within the affordable category will require significant restoration work. This can make an initially inexpensive purchase become a financial black hole. However, this 1967 Plymouth Belvedere could be an exception to that rule. It looks pretty dull and dirty, but a few weekends of hard graft in a home workshop may make a significant difference to its presentation, allowing a new owner to enjoy it as a genuine survivor. The Belvedere is listed here on Craigslist in Dallas, Texas. The seller set their price at $3,995, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting it.
This Belvedere is unlikely to win any beauty contests in its current form, with its Code X Beige paint looking dull and lifeless. It has a few scratches and imperfections, but nothing requiring immediate attention. The color seems consistent across the car, meaning it might respond exceptionally well to a wet sand and polish. It would undoubtedly be worth pursuing that option first because it would cost the new owner the least money. The panels have some minor bumps and bruises, but these could be passed off as part of the inherent character of a genuine survivor. The lack of rust could be the best news for enthusiasts on a tight budget. The Plymouth spent its life in Texas, meaning any rust is limited to the dry surface corrosion typical of older vehicles from that area. The panels are clean, and the floors look excellent. The trim and glass appear acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the overall impression is that it would take little effort to have this Belvedere sparkling again.
Chrysler’s slant-six engine is the stuff of legends. It is as tough as old leather, and extracting additional power is not difficult or expensive. Lifting the Belvedere’s hood reveals the 225ci version that sends 145hp and 215 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via the venerable three-speed TorqueFlite transmission. The Belvedere in this form was designed as affordable family transport, meaning buyers were less worried about its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 20 seconds than its fuel consumption figure that could effortlessly exceed 20mpg. That combination meant it could effortlessly cruise all day at highway speeds while stretching the distance between fuel stops. As a cross-country option, it was an excellent choice. The seller says the car runs and drives with no smoke or odd noises from the slant-six. The transmission is smooth, suggesting it needs little beyond a thorough inspection before the new owner embarks on weekend adventures.
I’ve been trying to think of the most appropriate technical term to describe this Plymouth’s interior, but the best I can do is “icky!” The front seat is pretty dirty, and the back is only marginally better. However, I believe some hard work with high-quality cleaning products could make an enormous difference to their appearance. The carpet may be beyond help, meaning an investment of $220 on a replacement carpet set is required. The door trims show wrinkles and tears, but careful stretching and a few blind patches would help their cause without spending a fortune. With those tasks completed and some of the painted surfaces refreshed, the presentation could be very acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle.
I am willing to admit that this 1967 Plymouth Belvedere is not the most desirable car on the planet, but that isn’t the point of vehicles of this caliber. It is an unmolested survivor that could be an excellent option for someone considering entering the classic car world. It would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh, but spending time polishing and cleaning this diamond in the rough could prove enormously rewarding. It will almost certainly never be worth mega-bucks, but transforming its appearance could take more time than money. If you are looking for a first purchase, you could do worse than choosing to pursue this Plymouth further.
Restore this back to original looks but put a 426 Hemi
, four speed and Dana in it. The ultimate sleeper.
Why are you cutting half my comments off? It’s happened twice today
My grandparents bought their first car later in life, and it was a brand new 67 Belvedere in the same color as this one, but had a black vinyl interior. They ordered it because they were advised to get a bigger engine if they wanted A/C, so instead of the 225 or the 273 they went with the 318 with factory air, and power steering, automatic transmission, and I’m not sure if it had power brakes or not. No other options. They lived in the Bronx, and the car was stolen 3 times before it was never seen again, some time in 1980. It had over 100k highway miles on it, and got an oil change every 1500 miles. Must’ve been a beautifully clean and solid running 318. I have a few pictures of it somewhere, and I used to have an old NYS registration from it, but it eventually got lost or thrown out.
Why does everyone think they need a hemi in a basic car? What’s wrong with the factory engine? Great car as it is.
I agree. I could see adding some ‘convenience and efficiency’ to the motor with, say, programmable fuel injection and some clean-up work on the manifolds and valves, and I could see adding a modern overdrive transmission, but there’s nothing wrong with a torquey, efficient motor.
As much as I love the Leaning Tower of Power, it’s just not a motor I would want in a B Body. While I like the Hemi idea maybe a newer 5.7 Hemi and a six speed?. More civilized for the weak than the 426 Hemi, yet powerful.
Grandma I found your car! And a trailer hitch? What the heck could you tow with this slant six car?
Great for pulling “senility sled” pop- up campers….
Back in the day? Home and garden projects home from the hardware store and lumber yard, on 35 mph surface streets.
Not much
Looks like it may be a flood vehicle from all the rust on the frame and under the hood
No way is this a flood car . Its just a tired old car. This is what they looked like it CT. in the late 1970s and your buddy’s aunt gave him their old car as his first car. First thing after a good polish, head over to Layfette electronics for some cheap rear deck speakers and an AM FM 8 Track player and a $19.99 seat cover from Benny’s !
This was my first car. Bought it from dad’s friend he was original owner. Bought in 76’ for $50. Interior was like new especially compared to this one 318’ V-8 2 bbl In 76’ was a brutal winter. On the sides of roads there was high snow banks and we’d drive down the street then I’d jump in backseat and car would go where it wanted. I got the idea of jumping in backseat from my friend covering my eyes with hands. Laugh like crazy when bounced off snow bank. 16 years old. Rest of the night is too long a story but a good one.
Body dont look too bad but you wold have to gut that dirty interior all out so not for me
Being an old car with limited use ( summer car, I’m in the north) if the paint will buff out would settle for that, otherwise a repaint the factory color, Being an old nut couldn’t keep the car in the shop long would look for a 383, with mods to make the undercarriage “heavy duty,v. If dropping a crate 360 , once again if it can be done without reworking the undercarriage, would be a nice driver
Lovely looking car. Assuming the car runs and drive like it should, I’d pay around the asking price of $3,995 . That would leave enough money left over for cosmetic restoration if needed.
No need to upgrade to a hemi, four-speed, etc. The only thing that keeps me from being more interested is the auto trans. Gimme a three on the tree, and I’d be happy as a pig in mud.